7- Negotiations   von Gravitas
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                                Kapitel 2: Anzu
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As always, you try to ignore the annoying beep of your alarm for all of five
seconds before your conscientious nature kicks in and you roll over to get
started with the day. And as always, when you wake up in this bed, the space
beside you is already empty. The sheets are carelessly thrown back because who
cares about making your bed when you have about ten maids cleaning up after you.
You’ve just shut off the alarm when Seto reemerges from the bathroom,
half-dressed and rubbing a towel over his still-dripping hair. He smiles at you
before sitting down on his side of the bed and promptly reaching for his phone.
God forbid there be a waking moment when he isn’t absolutely on top of
everything that’s happening in the world.
 
“I’ll never understand why you even bother using an alarm if you’re going
to be up before it rings, anyway.” You swing your feet out of the bed, and in
spite of the lush carpet they land on, a shiver goes through you. Mornings are
never going to be your favorite time. Although you should probably be glad that
at least they don’t turn you into a walking corpse, like Mai.
 
“Because,” You can hear Seto shifting behind you, and for a second you think
he actually put his phone away and is going to act like a normal person who just
woke up next to his… whatever you are.  But when you turn to look over your
shoulder, his eyes are still glued to the screen. “If I didn’t have an
alarm, I’d have to wake you up myself. And I know your salary. You can’t
afford to hire me for that.”
 
Grinning, you make your way to the bathroom, and while the warm shower is doing
its part in completely waking you up, your mind wanders back to yesterday’s
conversation with your best friend. With most other people – except for Yugi
and Jou, probably – you’d get mad that they think your private life is any
of their business in the first place. But Mai, you know she just has your best
interests in mind. Except in this case, you’re really not sure you see her
point. What’s so bad about this?
 
Sure, sometimes it’s annoying not to know what exactly this relationship is.
But as responsible adults, shouldn’t you be able to deal with that? Besides,
you kind of like the independence. Having your own place. Being able to sleep
with whoever you want. Although who are you kidding, it’s not like either of
you are the type to sleep around that much, unless Seto has a whole secret life
going on that you know nothing about. Which, between you being mostly in charge
of his work schedule, and Mokuba and Yugi having no boundaries when it comes to
gossip, is honestly unlikely.
 
Then again… It’s not like you’ve never considered if you wanted more.
You’ve just always come to the conclusion that he doesn’t, so better not
push it. You wouldn’t want to undo the years it took to get him over his lone
wolf phase. Throwing the wrapper of your single-use toothbrush in the trash,
your mind wanders to a time when you almost felt at home in this place. Before
the two of you started sleeping together. Or working together, for that matter.
Maybe you do need to talk to him.
 
When you step back into the bedroom, Seto is tying his tie, hair still messy and
out of place, and you have a momentary urge to rush over and bury your face in
his neck for just a second, before it’s all sharp lines and neat collars. But
that kind of affection seems weird, out of place, at this time of day. In less
than an hour, you’ll both be on your way to work, where that is exactly the
kind of image you need to project. Professional, orderly, politely
disinterested.
 
“You know.” How the fuck do you even start a conversation like this? When
you don’t continue, he turns to you, collar now as neatly tucked into place as
the signature raised-eyebrow look he’s giving you. “I really like you.” As
soon as the words leave your mouth, they feel clumsy and stupid. And not at all
like the thing you actually meant to say. He doesn’t seem to notice, though,
just laughs and turns back to his reflection.
 
“Good. I’m not really in the habit of sleeping with people who think I’m
repulsive. Besides, I’d imagine faking all those orgasms would get exhausting
after a while.”
 
Before you can counter that – full of himself much, that one? – there’s a
knock on the door. “Seto? Yugi and I were going to make waffles, do you want
some or are you in a – oh, hi Anzu.” Mokuba didn’t even wait for an
answer. Thank god this house has locks on all bedroom doors. “Are you staying
for breakfast, as well?”
 
Well, that would be a first. Before you can come up with some breezy apology,
like you usually do, Seto shuts down his brother’s hopeful smile with a gruff
“Anzu has to leave, she’s actually running late already. I’ll be there,
just give me a few minutes.”
 
Judging by the look on Mokuba’s face, even he can tell that something is off.
But he doesn’t argue, just gives you an uncomfortable smile and closes the
door behind him – this shit is yours to figure out, after all.
 
Without another word, you put your clothes on and head out of the door. 

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